JohnB5677
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

That indicates there was a tax penalty.

 

The underpayment penalty will be assessed if any of these apply:

  • "If you don’t pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments, you may have to pay a penalty."
  • "You also may have to pay a penalty if your estimated tax payments are late, even if you are due a refund when you file your tax return."

To avoid the under payment penalty:

  • The amount you owe is less than $1,000, after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
  • You paid 90% of the tax that you owed for the current year.
  • You paid 100% of the previous year tax, (110% for higher incomes).
  • If your previous year's adjusted gross income was more than $150,000 you will have to pay in 110% of your previous year's taxes to satisfy the "safe-harbor" requirement.

"Typically, underpayment penalties are 5% of the underpaid amount, and they're capped at 25%. 

Underpaid taxes also accrue interest at a rate that the IRS sets annually."

 

To avoid this situation it is recommended that you adjust your W-4 with your employer or pay estimated taxes.

Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals Penalty

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